How to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you’re single

Valentine's Day can be tough for singles, but focusing on positive important

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

If you’re single, celebrating Valentine’s Day might seem silly, or even a downright depressing idea. However, if you’re feeling sad about Valentine’s Day, deciding to change your attitude about the holiday rather than trying to ignore it may prove to be the best way to get through the day. Nobody is suggesting that you should just “get over” feeling lonely or even that you won’t still feel that twinge of sadness when everyone around you seems to be in love, but there are many ways you can shift your focus to something positive when you’re feeling down.

Be Inspired Matt Cardy, Getty Images

Be Inspired

Listening to an uplifting podcast or gospel music, learning about someone in history who made a difference in the world, or simply Googling people who have accomplished a goal that you would like to reach can help you find purpose and focus on the positives in your future. Whether you find out how much you are loved or how much passion you have for changing your own little corner of the world, you’ll come away feeling refreshed instead of depressed.

Try something newSean Gallup, Getty Images

Try something new

While everyone else is out doing the same “old” thing, watching romantic movies or having dinner at a restaurant, you could be busy re-inventing yourself. Designate Valentine’s Day as “love my future” day and try something new. Whether it’s rock climbing, painting, making jewelry, learning a foreign language, refinishing old furniture, or rebuilding a car’s engine, the “something new” that you try today may end up being something that brings you great joy–or even success–in the future

Join ‘emChristopher Furlong, Getty Images

Join ‘em

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Decide that even if you don’t have a partner to love right now, you can still enjoy the idea of romance. Use your time to begin writing a romance novel or screenplay, design artwork that features romantic scenes or imagery, compose a love song, or take photographs of couples you know. You never know, the creativity you use on Valentine’s Day may take you down a path you never expected. You could find a new hobby, career, friends who enjoy the same creative outlets, or even your future love.

Adopt a petBen Horton, Getty Images

Adopt a pet

If coming home to an empty place is getting you down, consider getting a pet. Animals have a way of offering unconditional love and they can also give you another topic to talk about when meeting new people. Make Valentine’s Day the day you open your heart to someone, even if not yet of the human variety.

Celebrate anywayChristopher Furlong, Getty Images

Celebrate anyway

Just because you’re single, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the many fun Valentine’s Day gifts that abound in stores. Stop at a floral shop and buy yourself some roses. They don’t even have to be red, just anything that will brighten up your kitchen table and make you smile. If you’re worried the florist may ask you who the flowers are for, you can simply reply, “for someone very special.” After all, you are special! You can also indulge in some delicious chocolate treats, get a spa treatment, or buy yourself some new earrings to wear to church or on your next girl’s night out.

Despite the cruel jokes we hear in movies and television, doing nice things for yourself on Valentine’s Day, or any other day, isn’t pathetic. When you celebrate yourself, you are changing your inner dialogue to one of believing you are worthy of being included and having good things. Often, when you see yourself as worthy, that confidence will come across to others and pretty soon, you’ll find people who do want to include you in their lives.

Celebrate someone elseWathiq Khuzaie, Getty Images

Celebrate someone else

Why let all those adorable teddy bears go to waste? Purchase a Valentine’s Day stuffed animal for a niece or nephew, new baby in the family, or even as a donation for children who are in the hospital or and elderly person living in a nursing facility or retirement home. There is always someone who will appreciate your gift, so start thinking of ways to brighten someone else’s day.

Buddy upAstrid Stawiarz, Getty Images

Buddy up

One of the quickest cures for sadness on Valentine’s Day is to get together with other single friends. Have some ladies over for a slumber party, dance party or spa night, or if you’re a guy, put together an impromptu movie or poker night.

Allow yourself to dreamJohannes Simon

Allow yourself to dream

If flowers and chocolate aren’t your thing, go to a bookstore and purchase a nice, blank journal for yourself. Then, start a prayer journal about your future husband or wife. Write down prayers for the specific qualities you would like to find in your future mate. Sometimes, by simply writing out your deepest desires, it helps you to quit longing for past relationships or only considering those people you currently know because it brings into focus what you truly want and what is worth waiting for.

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Jaelyn Jamik is the person whom friends and family call when they're in need of a keepsake gift, party game, decorating or craft inspiration or unique idea for celebrating special events. She enjoys celebrations with a huge family and hopes to help others make great memories of their special occasions as well.